Oxford's Historic Pubs: A Self-Guided Walking Tour
Oxford, United Kingdom

Oxford's Historic Pubs: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

Outty Ranking 66 5.0 · 5 traveler reviews1.5 hoursFrom $12
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Outty Ranking

66/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Oxford's Historic Pubs: A Self-Guided Walking Tour worth booking?

Oxford's Historic Pubs: A Self-Guided Walking Tour is a 1.5-hour experience in Oxford, United Kingdom, from $12 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
66 / 100
Rating
5/5 (5)
Duration
1.5 hours
From
$12 per person

Oxford’s historical streets are full of interesting and unusual pubs, some of which have been providing refreshment for over 700 years. On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll visit a few of the oldest and quirkiest pubs the city has to offer. Starting at the Head of the River pub near Folly Bridge, you’ll wind through cobbled lanes and hidden passages to discover ten of Paul Coyne favourite pubs, each with a story to tell. The audio guide will lead you through the ancient streets where students and townspeople have all enjoyed an ’Education in Intoxication’. You’ll see where a Tuesday afternoon pub brawl took 600 years to be finally reconciled, and learn which pub had a camel. You'll also see a few historical landmarks like Hertford Bridge, Carfax Tower, and Radcliffe Square. By the end of the tour, in front of the Grapes on George Street, you’ll have learnt the differences between an alehouse, a tavern, and an inn.

What you get

    About this experience

    Oxford’s historical streets are full of interesting and unusual pubs, some of which have been providing refreshment for over 700 years. On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll visit a few of the oldest and quirkiest pubs the city has to offer. Starting at the Head of the River pub near Folly Bridge, you’ll wind through cobbled lanes and hidden passages to discover ten of Paul Coyne favourite pubs, each with a story to tell. The audio guide will lead you through the ancient streets where students and townspeople have all enjoyed an ’Education in Intoxication’. You’ll see where a Tuesday afternoon pub brawl took 600 years to be finally reconciled, and learn which pub had a camel. You'll also see a few historical landmarks like Hertford Bridge, Carfax Tower, and Radcliffe Square. By the end of the tour, in front of the Grapes on George Street, you’ll have learnt the differences between an alehouse, a tavern, and an inn.

    What's included

    Included

    • Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
    • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
    • App for Android and iOS
    • Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
    • Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

    Not included

    • Smartphone and headphones
    • Food and drinks
    • Transportation
    • Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour

    What you'll see and do

    1. The start of the Oxford Historic Pub Tour, with a lovely riverside garden. Learn about the Oxford University eights races & how the pub got it's name.

      Pass by without stopping

    2. Discover if The Bear is truly the oldest pub in Oxford dating from 1262. Learn more about The Bear's collection of over 4,500 snipped neckties.

      Pass by without stopping

    3. Carfax Tower

      Learn about the St. Scholastica Day riot which started with a pub brawl at the Swindlestock Tavern.

      Pass by without stopping

    4. William Shakespeare was a frequent visitor to the The Crown Inn and it's alleged that he became very friendly with the landlord's wife.

      Pass by without stopping

    5. A hidden gem of Oxford that can be difficult to find, but our clear audio directions will lead you right there. The Turf has many stories of celebrity drinking exploits.

      Pass by without stopping

    6. Learn about the Kings Arms' reputation of having the "highest IQ per square foot of any pub in the world". A very atmospheric pub with back rooms and a real log fire in the winter.

      Pass by without stopping

    7. Oxford Covered Market

      Trading since 1774 the Covered Market has modernised in recent years with many craft ale bars and shops. Well worth a visit to soak up the historic atmosphere and perhaps have a craft ale & some food.

      Pass by without stopping

    8. Probably the smallest pub in Oxford and has appeared in Colin Dexter's Inspector Morse series many times.

      Pass by without stopping

    9. Hertford Bridge links two parts of Hertford college in Oxford. It's commonly known as 'The Bridge of Sighs' and is a great place for picturesque photos when touring Oxford.

      Pass by without stopping

    10. The last pub on the Oxford Historic Pub Tour, a time to reflect on the ten pubs you will have visited. A Victorian pub in style with over 40 keg & 8 cask ales to enjoy.

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Oxford

    This tour starts outside the Head of the River Pub on St. Aldates. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    This tour end outside The Grapes Pub on George Street.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    VoiceMap Audio Tours

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Oxford's Historic Pubs: A Self-Guided Walking Tour, photo 2Oxford's Historic Pubs: A Self-Guided Walking Tour, photo 3Oxford's Historic Pubs: A Self-Guided Walking Tour, photo 4Oxford's Historic Pubs: A Self-Guided Walking Tour, photo 5Oxford's Historic Pubs: A Self-Guided Walking Tour, photo 6Oxford's Historic Pubs: A Self-Guided Walking Tour, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    5 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Traveler reviews

    5 verified traveler reviews for Oxford's Historic Pubs: A Self-Guided Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

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    eamonnm308 · July 2025

    A heady mixture of history and beer. What more could you ask for! The audio tour of Oxford's historic pubs was a unique experience in which I learnt a number of interesting facts combined with wit and humour from the narrator. I would recommend this tour to everyone who would like to learn something new whilst sampling a variety of alcoholic beverages at the same time!

    via Tripadvisor

    B2422RQoliviam · July 2025

    Unique local tour

    Such a unique tour to do - I had been to Oxford before so it was nice to do a tour of some more local spots. The tour has a great mix of Oxford history and plenty of stops to make for an ideal pub crawl. Definitely recommend!

    via Tripadvisor

    Adviser1234 · July 2025

    Great tour!

    An excellent tour that starts at the river and winds through the cobbled streets and alleyways, stopping at many fascinating pubs. Good blend of history and fun facts! Highly recommend

    via Tripadvisor

    ninacoyne · July 2025

    Historical pub tour

    Fabulous tour. Very interesting and informative. A beautiful walk to each pub through the city taking you off the beaten track to some gem’s of pubs that you might never have found! All the pubs have their own stories (and a great choice of beverages!) A great narrative by Paul. Would highly recommend this tour.

    via Tripadvisor

    Exploration109819 · July 2025

    Great way to spend an afternoon or evening

    An enjoyable and informative audio tour, the perfect way to experience the varied pubs located within this beautiful city. Will definitely be doing it again

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    1.5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    2
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by VoiceMap Audio Tours, who run 703 experiences we rank across 222 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 54.8.

    See everything VoiceMap Audio Tours runs

    Why this scores 66

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)85
    Review evidence (18% weight)25
    Booking momentum (14% weight)18
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)56
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Oxford's Historic Pubs: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Oxford.

    How much does Oxford's Historic Pubs: A Self-Guided Walking Tour cost?

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    Prices start at $12 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Oxford usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Oxford's Historic Pubs: A Self-Guided Walking Tour take?

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    Plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Oxford is not rushed.

    Is Oxford's Historic Pubs: A Self-Guided Walking Tour worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 5 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Oxford, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Oxford's Historic Pubs: A Self-Guided Walking Tour?

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    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Oxford's Historic Pubs: A Self-Guided Walking Tour suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Oxford's Historic Pubs: A Self-Guided Walking Tour?

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    Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Oxford can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

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    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Oxford and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Oxford's Historic Pubs: A Self-Guided Walking Tour start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Oxford within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Oxford?

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    On Outty we rank every Oxford experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cotswolds in a Day Tour from Moreton-in-Marsh / Stratford-on-Avon, Oxford University Walking Tour With University Alumni Guide, Oxford Official University & City Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Oxford?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Oxford?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Oxford's Historic Pubs: A Self-Guided Walking Tour?

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    Included: Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it; Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata; App for Android and iOS; Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour; and Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will sta. Not included: Smartphone and headphones; Food and drinks; Transportation; and Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Oxford's Historic Pubs: A Self-Guided Walking Tour?

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    This tour starts outside the Head of the River Pub on St. Aldates. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Oxford's Historic Pubs: A Self-Guided Walking Tour offered in?

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    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Oxford's Historic Pubs: A Self-Guided Walking Tour?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Oxford's Historic Pubs: A Self-Guided Walking Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Oxford's Historic Pubs: A Self-Guided Walking Tour if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Oxford. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Oxford's Historic Pubs: A Self-Guided Walking Tour?

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    Across 5 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Oxford's Historic Pubs: A Self-Guided Walking Tour.

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